Adriana Bara, national director of CNEWA in Canada, gave one of two presentations at the Canadian French Christian-Jewish Dialogue meeting in Montreal on 24 May. She spoke on \u201cDifferent Forms of Christianity\u201d and Rabbi Lisa Grushcow spoke about \u201cDifferent Forms of Judaism.\u201d Rabbi Grushcow is the senior rabbi at the synagogue and has long been involved in interfaith, Jewish pluralist and intradenominational dialogue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cSince Vatican II in 1964, the Catholic Church opened the doors towards collaboration and dialogue with other religions and with an emphasis on the Christian-Jewish dialogue,\u201d Dr. Bara said in an interview for this report. \u201cSo, I think it is a way of showing the openness of the church and also the desire to collaborate with people regardless of their religion.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CNEWA\u2019s work, carried out through the Eastern churches, serves people irrespective of their religion or beliefs, she said. \u201cNobody will ask them, what is your religion? We just help.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her presentation discussed the various Christian denominations and some of the major differences in their practices. Despite these differences, Dr. Bara described this relationship \u201clike brothers and sisters in Christ, not as enemies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similarly, Rabbi Grushcow outlined the diversity and unity within Judaism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The conference drew approximately 50 participants in person and online and featured a Q.-&-A.- based discussion, which addressed questions about proselytizing, salvation in Christianity and the Incarnation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Bara also participated in the Canadian Friends of Sabeel meeting and Kairos Palestine forum on 16 May in Toronto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Omar Haramy, the director of Friends of Sabeel and the main presenter, \u201cemphasized the importance of the \u2018meaningful pilgrimage\u2019 to the Holy Land,\u201d she said. \u201cIn his view, people should not only visit churches and buildings in the Holy Land but also encounter people to understand their challenges and needs.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dr. Bara said CNEWA\u2019s participation in such conferences spreads awareness about the agency\u2019s mission and furthers its engagement in ecumenical and interreligious dialogue.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"